The Kingdom at VictoriaFalls Hotel

The Kingdom at Victoria Falls Hotel has unique architectural and interior design drawing on Zimbabwe’s rich cultural and aesthetic heritage. There are 294 rooms built around a man-made lake with facilities including three swimming pools and a toddlers’ pool. 112 rooms have king-size beds, 102 rooms with queen-size beds, 34 family rooms with a king size and bunk beds as well as 40 rooms with twin beds and bunk beds. Wheelchair friendly paraplegic rooms are also available at the hotel. All the rooms have views either overlooking the lake or outward across the surrounding bush.

The main hotel restaurant, White Waters Restaurant, offers a beautiful dining environment with a comfortable seating capacity of 250. It has a large open concept with towering cielings surrounded by striking water features where guests can enjoy live traditional dance perfomances over dinner. They also have 24-hour room service for meals, snacks and drinks.

Bars and entertainment areas include Quartermains Bar, a cocktail bar decorated in a traditional Victorian style offering comfortable sofas and seating options. There is also the Rapids Pool Bar and Restaurant which offers laid back lunches including sandwiches, burgers and pasta dishes. Meals can be enjoyed under the gazebo or while lounging by the pool chairs enjoying the view.

Facilities include the in-house Makasa Sun Casino – the only Casino in the Falls – and 7 conference rooms whose capacities range from 15 to 450 pax. There’s also The Safari Health and Beauty Spa which offers nail, hair and massage treatments. Lastly there’s the Adventure Connection Activity Centre to book any last minute tours and activities.

The Victoria Falls Hotel is steeped in history. Built in 1904 as hostel accommodation for workers on the Cape to Cairo railway it’s one of the oldest hotels in Africa. Known as the ‘Grand Old Lady of the Falls’ it’s now synonymous with luxury, style and elegance as it is a member of the 5-star Leading Hotels of the World. Over the years, the hotel has accommodated royalty, statesmen, celebrities and the most discerning – and demanding – travellers.

It’s situated in a prime position overlooking the Falls Bridge and the gorge below, set in beautifully manicured, established gardens. The hotel exudes Edwardian charm and combines old world elegance and grandeur with modern facilities. Starting in May 2021 and completed in August this year, 49 rooms, The Stanley’s Bar and Stanley kitchen have been completely refurbished. The first phase has involved extensive work in the bedrooms and suites of two of the hotel’s wings, the south ‘hammerhead’ and the central block.

The hotel has a total of 149 rooms including the Presidential suite, the Royal Batoka suite, 3 Executive suites, 4 Deluxe suites, 11 Premium rooms, 44 Stable Signature Wing rooms, 30 Classic rooms, and 55 Standard rooms.

The Victoria Falls Hotel offers some of the finest cuisines in the country, with a number of restaurants to choose from with renowned chefs to prepare exquisite meals for you. The hotel is famous for its five-star table service aimed to pamper every guest. There’s also a great selection of wines to choose from.

The elegant and upmarket Livingstone Room is one of the finest restaurants in Zimbabwe. They have a classic a la carte option or 7 course tasting menu and a Diners Platinum award winning wine list. The Livingstone Room reflects the century old hotel’s style of grandeur and opulence. The dress code has been relaxed a little in recent years but men are still required to wear smart trousers, long sleeved shirts and closed shoes. Strictly no jeans, safari wear, shorts, sandals or sneakers allowed.

Jungle Junction is much less formal offering a buffet style breakfast and dinner. The menu changes daily and includes beef, venison, fish, chicken, salads and vegetables as well as a range of delicious desserts, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Entertainment is provided by local dancers showcasing the various tribes found along the Zambezi River headlined by the Makishi dancers every night, adding an insight into local cultures. Stanley’s Terrace offers light meals throughout the day and has the most spectacular view of the bridge and the Falls. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel their afternoon high tea is a delight not to be missed with a selection of sweet and savoury treats elegantly presented. There’s also the cosy Stanley’s Bar for a sundowner cocktail or a gin and tonic. The pool area has a fully stocked bar and also serves a light barbeque menu. In the comfort of your room, a 24-hour in – room dining service is available.

The hotel has two conference venues with packages that include tea and coffee, lunches and standard conference equipment

The Victoria Falls hotel is also a favourite venue for weddings with a private chapel and outdoor reception options.

ASL’s Victoria Falls hotels cater for everyone, from families on a modest budget to the most discerning travellers. They offer luscious delectable food and entertainment with plenty of exciting activities on offer for adventure seekers as well as options to just sit back and relax.

To find out more about ASL and their accommodation options in Victoria Falls and around the country, visit their website at www.africansunhotels.com. You won’t be disappointed. The world under the African Sun awaits, come Experience, Explore and Enjoy true hospitality.

From DESTINATION ZW EDITION 1